WAIKINO TRAGEDY.

Hokitika Guardian, 27 October 1923, Page 3

WAIKINO TRAGEDY.

A GRAPHIC STORY. [liY TI-a.KOHAI’II —l’Ki: 1-ItKSS ASSOCIATION. AYA mi. October S. Robert Theodore Reid, one of the victims of the tragedy at Mnikiuo Public School on Friday last, when two hubs were shot dead, and eight others were wounded, made a statement at tin. Yv'nihi Hospital to-day. .Reid, who 1-ct lived a. Indict through the jaw. in his study and lay in a poo! ot brown blood for over two hours, is still in a sei ion- rundit ion, hut his anxiety to make statement and gel the awful bodiless oil his mind, induced the doctor to let him speak. Reid holts ill and wasted, and experienced diiiicultv in speaking. He broke down several times during his licart-ivn .ing nai-

i alive. He said: ■Higgins entered the school at the entrance, anil said ‘1 am here for revenge.' By his strained expression. Rei.i knew soiueS/iing v..-. wrong, and lie ushered the mail into his study, whore Higgins drew a roioland made a gesture with it and icqeatcd 'I am here for revengel' Reid soiudit to soothe him, and tie man said : ‘■They've persecuted me for LA years, (fir,- of the Leasts is lying dead in the paddock now." Reid now rc.-og-nised that the man meant desperate mischief. Higgins proceeded. “Ihc world has misused me for I A years. I have come here to die. lieid started to plead with him for the lives or the children, but without avail. Vi'ith the I revolver in one hand, and hi- wal a in lire other, Higgins said: "I’ve given them more time than 1 intended. 1 am wasting time. Those hounds from down below i meaning the AYaihi Company's Battery) will have a string ot men round me before I can finish the

Beid. feeling, himself desperate, walked up to him. put his hand on the man's shoulder, and said: ‘‘Higgins, wlmt' about your son. John—and his wife?” He replied: “They must look after themselves!” Suddenly. after consulting his watch, Higgins jumped to the stv.dv door, keeping Tb*:d. corded ire said: "Yon are having them sneaked out while you are keeping me here!” Reid walked up to him. and began ) leading again for the live- of the children, and was leaning towards him slightly. Higgins then said: “You will have it! Then take it!' He fired.

Reid crumpled on the floor, and a ■moat rush of blood filled his mouth and nostrils. Later he fell into unconsciousness. On regaining his senses, ho could hear Higgins tramping around the class rooms, apparently Rooking for and shooting at children."